Programs, standards and the process CSEAB follows to evaluate certification bodies, inspection bodies and laboratories.
The three terms are often confused, but they describe different roles in a chain of confidence.
An accreditation body such as CSEAB assesses a conformity assessment body and attests to its competence for a defined scope. A conformity assessment body, for example a certification body, inspection body or laboratory, then audits, inspects or tests its own clients. The certified organisation is the client that receives a certificate, report or result.
Accreditation therefore applies to the body issuing the certificate, not to the organisation that holds it. A company is never “accredited” because it holds an ISO certificate.
| Role | What it does | Assessed by |
|---|---|---|
| Accreditation body | Evaluates and attests the competence of conformity assessment bodies | Its own governance and applicable international requirements |
| Conformity assessment body | Certifies, inspects, tests, calibrates, validates or verifies | An accreditation body, such as CSEAB |
| Certified organisation | Holds a certificate, report or result for its system, product, process or staff | A conformity assessment body |
Select the program that matches the activity you perform. Your scope of accreditation will list the specific standards, schemes or test methods covered.
For bodies that audit and certify quality, environmental, information security and other management systems.
Who can apply: Certification bodies offering ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO/IEC 27001 and similar management system certification.
Apply for this programFor organisations that examine products, installations, processes or services and determine their conformity.
Who can apply: Organisations inspecting equipment, installations, construction, goods or processes, whether third-party, in-house or corporate.
Apply for this programFor bodies that certify the competence of individuals through structured, impartial examination.
Who can apply: Bodies operating certification schemes for professionals such as auditors, welders, inspectors or technical specialists.
Apply for this programFor laboratories whose test and calibration results must be technically valid and traceable.
Who can apply: Testing laboratories and calibration laboratories in any technical field, including in-house and independent facilities.
Apply for this programFor bodies that certify that products, processes or services meet specified requirements.
Who can apply: Bodies certifying products, processes or services against standards, regulations or private certification schemes.
Apply for this programFor bodies that validate or verify claims, such as environmental and greenhouse gas statements.
Who can apply: Bodies validating or verifying claims, including greenhouse gas statements and environmental information.
Apply for this programProgram availability and the scope that can be offered are confirmed during the review of each application request.
Accreditation is a cycle rather than a one-off event. After the initial decision, surveillance and reassessment confirm that requirements continue to be met.
The applicant submits an application request with its organisation details and the scope it is seeking.
CSEAB confirms that the request is complete and that it has the competence to assess the requested scope.
The management system and procedures are reviewed against the applicable standard.
Assessors evaluate activities on site or remotely, including witnessing work where required.
Any nonconformities are addressed with evidence of cause analysis and effective correction.
Persons not involved in the assessment review the evidence and make the decision.
The accreditation certificate and defined scope are issued and listed in the directory.
Periodic surveillance confirms that the requirements continue to be met.
A full reassessment is carried out before the accreditation cycle ends.
The exact requirements depend on the standard, but most applicants need the following before an assessment can be scheduled.
Read accreditation documentsNo. CSEAB accredits the certification bodies, inspection bodies and laboratories that carry out that work. Organisations seeking a certificate should approach an accredited certification body.
The timeline depends mainly on the readiness of the applicant, the size of the scope and how quickly any nonconformities are resolved. An indicative plan is shared once the application has been reviewed.
Yes. Accreditation is always granted for a defined scope. You can apply for the activities you are ready to have assessed and extend the scope later.
You will be asked to identify the cause and provide evidence of corrective action within an agreed period. The accreditation decision is taken only once this evidence has been reviewed.
Accredited bodies, their status and scope are listed in the CSEAB Directory. If a body is not listed, you can contact CSEAB to confirm its status.
Tell us about your organisation and the scope you are seeking. CSEAB will review your request and explain the next steps.